Supervisors discuss BASF building

July 16, 2013

The Emmet County Board of Supervisors Tuesday continued their discussion of possibly purchasing the former BASF property for a county shop.

The property northeast of Estherville became available after the company closed its Estherville location.

Board chair Alan Madden underscored the fact that the board can't borrow more than $600,000 without taking it to a vote. He said the board's next step should be a site visit - something the board did later Tuesday morning.

"Is this facility something usable? That is the issue," Madden said.

"I would have to agree with that," said supervisor Ron Smith. "I have no prejudice either way."

Supervisor John Martyr said the first question the board should ask is if the current county shop is in such a state that it needs to be replaced. If so, then the county should look at the best deal.

Considering the current facility, said Madden, "That needs to go away at some point." He added that the county would also need additional square footage.

Later in the same meeting, county engineer Roger Patocka noted the property to the north was pattern tiled so the county could face added cost if it decided to buy extra property there. Other costs could include diesel and fuel tanks. He said the county would also need to get a conditional use permit to relocate the shop.